nimbus | noun
1 a luminous cloud or a halo surrounding a supernatural being or a saint; a light, color, etc., that surrounds someone or something.
2 a large gray rain cloud.
Dear Friends,
Intensely focused quietude of a theater audience – attention tuned to a singular artistic moment. Frenetic backstage excitement and anticipation as young people prepare to take the stage. The intoxicating charisma of a virtuoso performer – larger than life and with the audience in the palm of their hand. The buzz of the city street outside the theater as audiences line up for the show.
People ask about the name “Nimbus” – what is its significance? An aura of light, a rain cloud: both are embodiments of the magical, fertile, environmental shift that the arts precipitate. Dynamism, sensory awareness, creativity: like a barometer for the health of an individual, or of a community, the arts reflect life energy.
At the 20th Anniversary Nimbus Rose Gala, we honor four visionary leaders whose dedication has shaped the arts, strengthened our communities, and advanced health in New Jersey. These four leading lights have guided, nurtured, and sowed the seeds of the arts and health in our communities.
Honorees of the 2025 Nimbus Rose Gala:
Stacey Flanagan – Jersey City Director of Health & Human Services
In 2012, Jersey City’s Department of Health and Human Services was a limited operation. Then it began to innovate. Stacey Flanagan brought with her a Health in All Policies mindset that now informs the ten divisions of HHS that enhance the physical and mental health of the city’s nearly 300k residents. WIC, Meals on Wheels and Summer Food Service for Youth offer nutritional support to women, children and seniors; Immigrant Affairs is the first municipal office in the country with a federally accredited legal program; the Partnership for a #HealthierJC supports collaboration with organizations to address local community health issues. When Covid hit in 2020, Stacey opened the first free testing sites in the state. Over 8,000 people were tested in the first month alone. Her work with Nimbus is solidly at the intersection of the arts and public health where she brings the holistic wellbeing of dance and movement to our youth, veterans and seniors. We are honored to recognize Stacey Flanagan, a transformational leader committed to building a healthier, more vibrant community.
Wendy Paul – Nimbus Board President
Wendy has served Nimbus with unwavering dedication for 7 years, 4 years as Board President. We extend our utmost thanks and gratitude for her leadership during her term as Board President. Wendy has seen our organization through growth, challenges, and transformation, and was instrumental in creating the organization’s most recent 5 year plan, persevering through the pandemic, and moving into the Nimbus Arts Center. A steadfast leader in our community, Wendy’s energy and verve is known throughout Jersey City. She serves on the boards of United Way of Hudson County, North Hudson Community Action Corporation, Washington Park Association of Hudson County, Rotary International of Jersey City, and more.
David Rodriguez – Executive VP & Executive Producer, NJPAC
A driving force in the New Jersey arts landscape, David Rodriguez’s impact in elevating performing arts of countless genres, traditions, and modes of presentation has been legendary. Mr. Rodriguez has produced, presented, and curated thousands of artists at NJPAC, The Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall and numerous other venues. As executive producer at NJPAC he has produced the Hip Hop Nutcracker; the Dodge Poetry Festival, North to Shore Festival, the James Moody Jazz Festival, among countless other major productions. For Nimbus, he has been an advisor, a partner, and a transformative supporter. His advocacy for dance and his commitment to fostering innovative, boundary-pushing work have made possible many of Nimbus’ most ambitious artistic projects, including Raucous Caucus Tango, The New Tide, Insight/Incite, and, most recently our acclaimed collaboration with New Jersey Symphony, Firebird. Fittingly, Mr. Rodriguez’s connection to the arts is personal and direct: in addition to his role as Executive Producer at NJPAC, he is a renowned Grammy and Emmy winning bass player known for his work with Tito Puente, Max Roach, Isaac Hayes, Astor Piazzolla and many others.
Nimbus Award for Service Through the Arts
Alysia Souder – Executive Director, Institute for Music for Children
Alysia Souder’s artistic vision and dedication to community-centered theater, art, and storytelling are comprehensive and have left an indelible mark on Nimbus, and on the arts in the State of New Jersey. As Executive Director of the Institute for Music for Children, Alysia brings her endless creativity, leadership and advocacy to the lives of thousands of young people, offering an expansive curriculum including: music, theater, dance, media, culinary arts, fashion, technology, and more. Ms. Souder’s artistry has deeply impacted Nimbus as co-librettist of Jersey City Nutcracker, in its 15th season and named by TimeoutNY among the Best New York Christmas Show, and of Raucous Caucus Tango, premiered at NJPAC in 2021. We are proud to recognize Alysia Souder, a fellow soldier for the arts and community, for her service and contributions.
In a world of instability, increasing social isolation, economic struggle, and volatile government policies: we are heartened to remember and lift up the work of these four leaders. May the occasion of the 2025 Nimbus Rose Gala be both a celebration and also a call to action: to invest more deeply in our values, in our communities and in the bonds of support and love between each of us.
With appreciation,
Samuel Pott
Artistic Director, Nimbus
Join us at the Nimbus Rose Gala to celebrate these honorees and 20 years of impact. Click Here.
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